My Birthday Vows

Last week, I wrote about the ways to naturally detoxify the body after binge drinking or eating, which many of us have likely participated in over several St. Patrick’s Day celebrations (I’m looking at you, Montauk) and through the winter weather. This week, I’m sharing my personal, upcoming project.

As of Wednesday, I have entered into the final year of my 20s. A 365-day period I’ve been told is both freeing and gripping, as the numerical concept of youth slips away while social maturity sets in. Whether this is true or not, I’ll figure out for myself.

In grasping this, a countdown to turning the big Three-0, I’ve decided to do a personal 29-day challenge. For 29 days beginning Thursday, the day after my birthday, through April 27, I have vowed to detoxify my life, mentally and physically. In doing so, I’ll be keeping photo records to show the difference in not only my body, but my face and state of mind — eyes are the windows to the soul, after all.

I vow the following:

• To give up all alcohol and fried foods

• To consume red meat no more than twice a week; to eat five smaller meals each day and never skip breakfast

• To cut out all sugar and artificial sweeteners in my coffee

• To allow one dessert indulgence a week, otherwise sticking to dark chocolate

• To practice mindful meditation for 10 minutes a day

• To wake up to uplifting music every morning

• To read for 20 minutes every night

• To work out for a minimum of 30 minutes each day

• To call someone I care for on the phone once a day

• To do something that makes me truly happy each day

The above are small ways to jump-start my own life in hopes to make a permanent change. By writing down these vows I can visualize the road ahead. In creating an end date, I create an achievable goal rather than an ambiguous, personalized standard.

While I am doing this for myself, I hope it encourages my readers to write down vows of their own and take a step in the right direction, whatever that means to you. Every day is an opportunity to become a better version of yourself; it’s up to you to seize it.

To keep up to date on my results make sure you follow me on social media.

@NikkiOnTheDaily

Nicole@indyeastend.com